You need it, for all men are imbeciles." "Woman," asked Kraken, "what are your plans ?" And the fair Orberosia informed her husband that the monks were going through the villages teaching the inhabitants the best way of combating the dragon; that, according to their instructions, the beast would be overcome by a virgin, and that if a maid placed her girdle around the dragon's neck she could lead him as easily as if he were a little dog.
"How do you know that the monks teach this ?" asked Kraken.
"My friend," answered Orberosia, "do not interrupt a serious subject by frivolous questions.

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'If, then,' added the monks, 'there be in Alca a pure virgin, let her arise!' Now, Kraken, I have determined to answer their call.